Colma is entering a new chapter as two of council’s longest-serving members seek reelection and two new faces enter the race.
Vice Mayor Helen Fisicaro, who has served on council for 32 years, and Councilwoman Joanne Del Rosario, who has served for 20 years, made their final pitches to voters at an Oct. 13 forum hosted by the Women’s League of Voters of North and Central San Mateo County and the Colma and Daly City Chamber of Commerce.
The two seats carry four-year terms.
“I believe there is value in having balance of new perspectives and experienced leadership,” Del Rosario said. “Continuity and institutional knowledge can help provide stability while supporting new ideas and ensuring that the lessons and progress of the past continue to guide us as we plan for Colma’s future.”
Fisicaro said she wants to continue working on Colma’s upcoming projects, such as improving Hillside and Serramonte Boulevard with better sidewalks, crosswalks and bike lanes.
Opponent Laura Walsh believes her experience as former city treasurer and trustee for the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District will help her make the best decisions for residents.
Walsh’s husband, Thomas Walsh, currently serves on council.
Walsh said her work on the board has taught her to understand budgets, policies and work collaboratively.
“I have always believed that a strong community depends on people who are willing to participate and give back,” she said.
Elisabeth Aurora Jenson, co-founder of a marine technology business, is running for council for a second time. Jenson ran in 2024 but didn’t get enough votes to win a seat.
She said her company has taught her management skills and how to maintain strong relationships. Jenson serves on the Daly City Public Library Association and the Colma Historical Association.
Veterans, seniors, parents and caretakers are a high priority as she envisions the town’s future.
“Listening to their struggles and triumphs enables us to know which programs are seeing results and which aren’t,” she said. “Colma has the ability to become a leader not only in community but in arts and culture. I think that we are in a corridor right here where we have a lot of people who come to Colma and, as the only necropolis in America, we have a lot to share with the world.”
If elected, Jenson wants to attract more people to Colma. She said she wants to diversify the town’s income and encourage more people to visit stores and car dealerships.
Colma relies on sales-tax revenue, which primarily comes from car sales.
Jenson proposed a voucher program to help potential car buyers travel to and from dealerships. Bringing in more cannabis stores could also increase revenue, she said.
Walsh said the best way to get more car sales is to have a sit-down restaurant nearby.
“After all, we know that buying a car is a big decision and you don’t want to take it lightly. So if we had a restaurant where people could go and talk about their decision before they buy a car,” Walsh said.
Fisicaro highlighted her experience in communicating with businesses. If there are issues, she wants to know about them so they can be successful, she said.
Del Rosario said the chamber of commerce regularly visits shops, which has helped build strong communication with businesses.
It has been a challenge to connect with the youth in town, and as part of the Age-Friendly Committee for Colma, a solution is yet to be found, Jenson said.
But Fisicaro said she wants more recognition for youth at council meetings for good grades, which will help them give back to the community.
Walsh said she wants a program that lets council members mentor children and show them what it’s like to serve on council. She said it could attract young people interested in politics and go beyond police or fire youth programs. She previously said she wants to bring more community events — such as a farmer’s market —to bring residents together.
Del Rosario recognized the recreation department, one of the town’s strongest departments, because many young people end up working there.
Fisicaro said residents need a thoughtful leader, and she has demonstrated just that.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to make decisions on council because of the fact that you might have to make a decision that’s not a popular one,” she said.
Del Rosario said being on council is about serving the people, not politics.